Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo Rare (Battle Styles) – Complete Collector & TCG Guide
If you’re a fan of powerful Electric types, the Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo Rare from Sword & Shield – Battle Styles is a card worth a closer look. This article breaks down what makes this card interesting for Pokémon TCG players, collectors, and anime fans – from its artwork and lore ties to its current playability and value.
| Card Name | Electivire |
|---|---|
| Set | Sword & Shield – Battle Styles |
| Card Number | 045/163 |
| Rarity | Rare (Reverse Holo version) |
| Printing | Reverse Holofoil |
| Language | English (based on listing and set info) |
| Estimated Release Year | 2021 (Battle Styles set) |
| Condition (Listing) | Appears Near Mint, ungraded |
The featured listing describes the card as “ELECTIVIRE 045/163 REVERSE HOLO Rare Battle Styles NM Pokemon”. Based on that, it appears to be a near mint reverse holo copy of the rare Electivire from the Battle Styles expansion, offered as an ungraded single.
Electivire in the Pokémon World: Anime & Lore Connections
Electivire has long been a fan-favorite Electric-type, first introduced in Generation IV as the evolution of Electabuzz. In the anime and games, it’s known as the Thunderbolt Pokémon, famous for its immense electrical output and aggressive battle style. According to Pokédex-style descriptions referenced in fan resources, a single Electivire is said to produce enough energy to power an entire city for a year – a fitting bit of lore for such a powerhouse.
Anime fans will recognize Electivire from several memorable appearances. One of the most notable is Volkner’s Electivire in the Sinnoh arc, which frequently clashed with Ash’s Pikachu. Those episodes emphasized Electivire’s raw physical strength and its ability to take hits while powering up, mirroring its in-game role as a bruiser that barrels straight into opponents.
The Battle Styles Electivire card (045/163) taps into that aggressive identity. While this specific card isn’t a “Rapid Strike” or “Single Strike” Pokémon, the set’s overall theme of distinct fighting styles fits Electivire’s flavor. Its attacks—documented on databases like Bulbapedia—include moves such as Tumbling Attack and Lightning Slam, both of which capture the feeling of a high‑impact Electric-type brawler.
For anime collectors building binders around favorite characters and species, this reverse holo printing offers a modern, affordable way to represent Electivire’s on-screen presence, especially if you’re pairing it with cards like Electabuzz or Electivire from older sets.
Set Context: Battle Styles & Reverse Holo Rares
Sword & Shield – Battle Styles was released in 2021 and introduced the Single Strike and Rapid Strike mechanics to the TCG. While Electivire itself is a standard rare rather than a Strike Pokémon, it shares booster packs with some highly chased cards like Tyranitar V (Alternate Art) and Empoleon V. That means reverse holo rares from this set benefit slightly from the overall popularity of Battle Styles among collectors and sealed product investors.
The card number 045/163 places Electivire in the early portion of the set’s main lineup, among Lightning and other early‑type Pokémon. In booster packs, Electivire can appear either as a regular non‑holo rare or as a reverse holo rare. The listing here clearly indicates the reverse holo version, which typically has a foil pattern across the card’s background (excluding the artwork box) and the set symbol.
Price tracking resources like PriceCharting and modern market aggregators show this card sitting in the budget-friendly range, often under a few dollars in near mint condition. That aligns with the listed price of $1.99 USD, which is typical for a reverse holo rare from a Standard-era set with modest competitive play.
For collectors who enjoy filling out full reverse holo sets, Battle Styles can be a fun challenge: there are 163 main-set cards plus secret rares, and reverse holo rares like Electivire help round out binder pages with a more premium, reflective look compared to their non‑holo counterparts.
Card Design & Artwork Details
The artwork for Electivire (Battle Styles 45/163) is credited in online databases to Megumi Mizutani, an illustrator well known in the TCG for dynamic, atmospheric Pokémon scenes. While this listing’s photos are relatively small, the Battle Styles Electivire art typically shows the Pokémon in an action pose, reinforcing its role as a heavy‑hitting Electric attacker.
The reverse holo pattern on Sword & Shield–era cards usually highlights the background, typelines, and set symbol, leaving the artwork box itself in regular matte finish. In person, this contrast lets the artwork pop while the rest of the card shimmers when tilted under light, which is especially appealing in binder displays or when building a dedicated Electric-type page.
Because the listing notes the card as “NM” (near mint) and shows a clean front and back, it appears to be in display‑worthy condition for collectors who prefer near mint Pokémon cards but don’t necessarily need graded slabs. As with any ungraded card, buyers should always review available images and read the seller’s description to confirm they’re comfortable with the stated condition.
If you’re building a themed collection—Electric types, Sinnoh Pokémon, or even just reverse holo rares from the Sword & Shield block—Electivire fits nicely as a mid‑binder focal point without the premium price tag of ultra rares or secret rares.
Condition & Grading Considerations
The product data marks this Electivire as “Ungraded” and the parsed description notes “Near Mint” condition. In the Pokémon TCG world, near mint typically means:
- Very light or no visible wear on the front
- Minor edge chipping or whitening at most on the back
- No creases, bends, or major scratches
- No ink, stains, or water damage
Because this card is reverse holo, surface condition matters a bit more than with non‑holo rares. Foiling can show scratches or scuffs under strong light. The listing photos appear to show a clean surface, but grading standards can vary slightly between sellers, so always factor in your own tolerance for tiny imperfections when shopping for collectible Pokémon cards.
For a card at this price level, most buyers will keep it raw rather than sending it off for professional grading. However, if you receive a copy that genuinely looks flawless—sharp corners, clean centering, and a pristine foil surface—it can be worth sleeving and toploading immediately to preserve that condition for the long term.
Regardless of whether you buy it for play or for your binder, you’ll want to store the Electivire Reverse Holo in a protective sleeve and, ideally, a binder page or toploader. Modern Sword & Shield cards are fairly sturdy, but reverse holos can still warp slightly with humidity changes, so flat storage away from direct sunlight is best.
Electivire 045/163 in Gameplay: Attacks & Strategy
From a gameplay standpoint, the Battle Styles Electivire is a Stage 1 Lightning-type Pokémon that evolves from Electabuzz. According to databases like Bulbapedia, its attack lineup usually includes:
- Tumbling Attack – A lower-cost attack with a chance to do a bit more damage on a favorable coin flip.
- Lightning Slam – A heavier-hitting attack themed around Electivire’s brute-force Electric strikes.
The exact damage values and energy costs can be checked on a card database or by examining the physical card, but in general, this Electivire functions as a midrange attacker rather than a competitive meta centerpiece. It saw limited top-tier tournament play compared to V, VMAX, or VSTAR headliners from the same era.
That said, it has a few niches:
- Budget Lightning deck finisher: New or returning players can use Electivire as a solid non-rule box attacker in casual decks without investing in expensive ultra rares.
- Theme or cube play: In custom formats or cubes that restrict power level, a Stage 1 with decent damage output like Electivire can be a genuine threat.
- Teaching tool: Because it’s a straightforward evolution Pokémon with simple attacks, it’s good for teaching newer players fundamentals like energy attachment, evolving, and managing attack costs.
Compared to many Battle Styles cards that revolve around Single Strike/Rapid Strike synergies, Electivire stands on its own as a simple, big-hitting Lightning Pokémon. That makes it easy to slot into casual lists built around Electric types or generic Lightning support without worrying about Strike tags or complex combos.
Example Casual Deck Uses
If you enjoy deckbuilding around favorite species rather than pure meta efficiency, Electivire can anchor a few fun strategies:
- Electivire / Electabuzz swarm: Use quick-draw Trainers and low-cost Basics to flood the board with Electabuzz, then evolve into multiple Electivire for sustained pressure.
- Electric-type toolbox: Pair Electivire with other Lightning attackers that hit different weaknesses or have utility effects, giving you flexibility against varied casual decks.
- Anime-inspired builds: Recreate Volkner-style Electric decks that focus on high output and aggressive trades, including classic Pokémon like Luxray or Raichu if your format allows.
While you shouldn’t expect this card to dominate competitive events, it’s very capable of delivering satisfying knockouts in a kitchen-table or local game‑store environment, especially if your playgroup keeps power levels in check.
If you’re putting together an affordable Lightning deck and need reliable Stage 1 attackers, browsing a well‑stocked selection of Pokémon TCG singles can help you round out your list quickly with cards like Electivire.
Collector Value & Market Outlook
The Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo Rare currently sits in the category of affordable modern singles. PriceCharting and similar sites list near mint reverse holo copies under a couple of dollars, and the referenced listing at $1.99 USD is consistent with that range.
For long-term collectors, the key question is whether a card like this has potential to appreciate. While no one can predict the future market, a realistic view would be:
- It’s unlikely to become a high-value grail card without a major shift in demand for Battle Styles.
- It can gain modest value over time if sealed Battle Styles dries up and reverse holo set completion becomes more popular.
- Its primary appeal is collection completeness and character fandom rather than pure investment.
If your collecting philosophy prioritizes cards you enjoy seeing in your binder—especially fan-favorite species like Electivire—this is exactly the kind of card to pick up and hold. It’s inexpensive enough to buy multiple copies (for deck use plus a binder copy), and reverse holo rares often look more impressive than their price tags suggest.
Because this listing appears to offer a near mint copy, it can also serve as a base if you ever decide to get a Battle Styles reverse holo set graded in the distant future. Even if grading fees exceed the current raw value, pristine, older‑era reverse holo sets sometimes become niche collector favorites.
Who Should Buy This Electivire Reverse Holo?
This particular listing of Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo Rare (Battle Styles) is best suited for a few types of buyers:
- Casual TCG players: You want a solid Stage 1 Lightning attacker for budget decks and appreciate having the flashier reverse holo version instead of the basic non‑holo rare.
- Electivire or Electric-type fans: You enjoy building pages themed around specific Pokémon or types and want a Sword & Shield–era representation of Electivire.
- Set collectors: You’re aiming for a complete Battle Styles reverse holo binder and need card 045/163 in near mint condition.
- Anime enthusiasts: You followed Volkner’s Electivire in the anime and like tying your card collection back to memorable battles and episodes.
At around the $2 price point, it’s also a strong candidate for gifts, trade fodder, or inclusion in custom mystery packs for newer players. Reverse holo rares tend to feel special to kids and beginners who are just starting their collections, even if they aren’t ultra rare by market standards.
If you’re browsing for more Electric types or filling out a Battle Styles binder, it’s often efficient to combine shipping by picking up a few extra collectible Pokémon cards from the same store.
How to Store & Protect Your Electivire Card
Once you add Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo to your collection, a few simple habits will keep it in great shape:
- Use penny sleeves: Immediately place the card in a soft sleeve to protect the foil surface from scratches and fingerprints.
- Add a toploader or binder: For long-term storage, either place the sleeved card into a rigid toploader or a 9‑pocket binder page.
- Avoid extreme conditions: Keep cards away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, and high humidity to minimize warping.
- Handle edges carefully: Reverse holo edges can chip if knocked against hard surfaces, so handle by the sides and corners as little as possible.
Collectors who keep their modern cards in near mint condition from the start usually have an easier time trading or selling them later, even if the short‑term market value is low. A clean reverse holo Electivire is simply more appealing than a play-worn copy when you’re trading at events or with friends.
And if you decide to expand beyond just this card, exploring a dedicated storefront with organized categories for near mint Pokémon cards can make it much easier to build out your binders without sifting through heavily played bulk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo Rare a good investment?
At the moment, Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo sits in the low-cost modern rare category. It’s better viewed as a fun, affordable addition to a Battle Styles or Electivire collection rather than a speculative investment piece. While it could appreciate modestly over time as Battle Styles ages, there’s no strong indication that it will become a high-end chase card.
What’s the difference between the regular Electivire rare and the reverse holo version?
Both versions share the same artwork, attacks, HP, and card number (045/163). The difference is in the finish: the regular rare has no holofoil on the main card surface, while the reverse holo rare features a foil pattern across the background and card frame, leaving the artwork box non‑foil. Many collectors prefer reverse holos for binder display because they catch the light more dramatically.
Is this Electivire card playable in the current Standard format?
Battle Styles was part of the Sword & Shield block, and Standard rotation rules change over time. Depending on when you read this, Electivire 045/163 may or may not still be Standard‑legal. Even when it was in Standard, it was more of a casual or budget option than a top competitive card. It remains perfectly usable in Expanded, casual, and custom formats.
Should I grade my Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo?
For most collectors, grading this card isn’t financially necessary. Grading fees often exceed the raw value of the card. However, if you’re building a fully graded Battle Styles reverse holo set or you have an exceptionally pristine copy that you personally value highly, grading can still make sense for personal enjoyment and preservation rather than profit.
How can I be sure the card is really near mint?
The listing describes the card as near mint and ungraded, and the photos appear consistent with that description. To be confident, inspect all provided images carefully, zoom in on corners and edges, and read the seller’s feedback. Reputable sellers of Pokémon TCG singles usually apply condition descriptions consistently. If you’re very condition‑sensitive, you can always message the seller with specific questions before buying.
Is Electivire popular among anime fans and collectors?
Yes. While it doesn’t have the mascot status of Pikachu, Electivire gained popularity through its anime appearances, especially as Volkner’s powerhouse Electric-type. Fans who enjoyed those episodes or who like strong, imposing Electric Pokémon often seek at least one Electivire card for their collection, and this Battle Styles reverse holo is an easy, modern option to fill that role.
Where can I find more Battle Styles reverse holos and Electric-type cards?
If you’re looking to expand beyond Electivire, browsing a specialized online store that offers sorted categories for Battle Styles and Electric types is helpful. The same seller offering this card may have additional reverse holos, rares, and other collectible Pokémon cards available in their Pokémon TCG singles inventory.
Whether you’re chasing a complete Battle Styles binder, building a casual Lightning deck, or just want a shiny Electivire to remember its anime battles, the Electivire 045/163 Reverse Holo Rare is a low-cost, high-enjoyment pick that fits smoothly into almost any modern Pokémon TCG collection.
